Tech reporter finds Apple iPhone Duo wins over despite early frustrations on vacation
After a five-day trip using a loaner iPhone Duo, a tech journalist reports that the foldable device proved durable and engaging enough to outweigh issues such as app compatibility, Touch ID authentication, and camera limitations.
A tech reporter spent five days on vacation with a loaner iPhone Duo and concluded that the device’s novelty and durability outweighed several early-stage shortcomings. The journalist initially carried both the Duo and a 17 Pro Max as a safety net, but over the trip grew accustomed to the foldable phone.
"Where is all that screen real estate I used to have? Will this thing even fit comfortably in my pocket?" the reporter noted, later discovering that the Duo fits easily in front or back pockets, even when encased, and survived multiple accidental drops on concrete, tile and wood without damage.
The reviewer cited software frustrations, including unoptimized apps that hide features behind additional menus and repeated freezes of the Google Search app in AI mode, which required force-closing to resume functionality. While some apps displayed a black bar on the outer screen, the author observed that most developers were releasing Duo-optimized updates quickly, and the lack of optimization did not prevent basic use.
Touch ID replaced Face ID as the primary biometric method, which the reporter found slower for unlocking the phone and authorizing Apple Pay, especially when handling other items. The journalist relied on an Apple Watch for authentication but still missed the convenience of Face ID.
Camera capabilities were also noted as a downgrade compared with the 17 Pro Max, lacking a telephoto lens and offering lower digital zoom. The reviewer suggested the Duo’s camera is adequate for casual snapshots but not for professional photography.
Despite these issues, the foldable form factor received positive reactions from strangers who saw the device for the first time. The Duo’s IP68 rating, minimal hinge visibility, and smooth unfolding mechanism were highlighted as strengths. The split-screen multitasking feature was described as intuitive, and the device’s smaller closed size appeared to reduce mindless scrolling.
Overall, the journalist concluded that the iPhone Duo provides a compelling, fun experience that encourages more deliberate usage, even though it remains an experimental product with areas for improvement.